Harm Reduction

Owner: Deborah Youngs, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience)
Approved by: Health and Wellbeing Board/Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience)
Version: 1.0
Review Cycle: Every three years or earlier as required by changes to relevant legislation, policy or national advice.

Swansea University is committed to promoting the health, safety, wellbeing and success of all students. Our priority is to create an environment where students feel safe to seek support and make informed decisions about their wellbeing. We want to ensure students can access help and accurate information with confidence that they will be treated with dignity, respect and without unnecessary stigma or judgement.

Our approach to drugs and alcohol is guided by the principles of harm reduction. Harm reduction seeks to minimise the physical, psychological, social, academic and legal harms associated with substance use.

Through this approach, Swansea University commits to:

• Placing student health, safety and wellbeing at the centre of our response
• Providing evidence-informed information and education about drugs and alcohol
• Supporting students to make informed decisions about their wellbeing
• Reducing barriers that may prevent students from seeking support
• Promoting early intervention responses where concerns arise
• Working collaboratively with Students' Union partners, healthcare providers, community organisations and relevant authorities
• Responding proportionately to risk associated with substance use
• Fostering a culture where students feel safe seeking support for themselves or others

We understand that every student's experience with alcohol and drugs is different and personal. Whether you want to talk, reduce your own use, make safer choices or access information – support is available. If you are worried about your own substance use, that of a friend or experiencing the impact of another person's behaviour, we encourage you to reach out.

Below are the main University and external services students can access.

VERVE - Specialist External Service

VERVE provides specialist drug and alcohol support across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot. Support is person-centred and can include advice, assessment, referral and ongoing support according to individual circumstances.

A referral can be made by the person themselves or by a professional on behalf of the person, but consent must be sought from the person concerned for contact to be made. To make a referral or refer yourself, visit Make a Referral - Verve and complete the form and submit. 

Advice and Support Centre, Swansea University Students’ Union

A free, independent and confidential advice and support service to support students throughout their studies. Appointments or queries can be made via the Advice and Support Centre webpage.

Safeguarding and Disclosure Response Team

Specialist team of advisors who provide guidance, advice and support to help students navigate concerns about risk, including drugs, alcohol and impact on wellbeing. To access support through the team please use our online form.

Wellbeing and Disability Services

Access to counselling, mental health support and wellbeing services to address the wider factors that may contribute to substance use or be affected by it. Support can be accessed by completing a Student Support Form.

We believe that informed students are better equipped to make safer choices.

Our commitment includes:

• Delivering awareness campaigns and educational initiatives
• Providing accessible information about substance-related risks
• Working in partnership with Swansea University Students' Union to promote student wellbeing
• Supporting peer-to-peer learning and engagement
• Developing approaches informed by national guidance, research and student feedback
• Continuing to review and improve our practices through participation in sector-wide initiatives and the SOS Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation programme

Students are encouraged to access support services, where responses will be focused on working to reduce harm and support safety. This approach reflects emerging sector best practice and Swansea University's commitment to supporting student health and success.

Where a student’s behaviour is deemed to pose a serious risk to themselves or others – such as in cases involving supply, safeguarding concerns, or the impact on regulated programmes of study, the University will need to take proportionate action.

Our aim is to balance accountability with support and care, ensuring that interventions are proportionate, fair and focused on reducing harm wherever possible.

Swansea University acknowledges the reality of alcohol and drug use in wider society and is committed to a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to these issues. By combining education, support, prevention and proportionate intervention, we seek to reduce harm, improve wellbeing and ensure every student can succeed and thrive during their time at Swansea.

We acknowledge that substance use is a complex health and social issue. Whilst effective responses must focus on education, support, prevention, and wellbeing, the University will also ensure any legal responsibilities are met. This includes cases involving criminal activity or where students are on professional or regulated programmes (e.g., Fitness to Practice). We will act with transparency and honesty, ensuring students understand their rights and are supported through any related process, including disciplinary measures where necessary.

Creating a safer university community in line with our harm reduction strategy is a shared responsibility. Swansea University will work collaboratively with:

• Swansea University Students' Union
• NHS and local healthcare services
• Specialist drug and alcohol support providers e.g. VERVE
• South Wales Police and community safety partners
• Academic staff and Professional Services
• Students themselves